50 Down

NYT Daily ? September 28, 2025

Clown around with food?

Answer:

MCDONALD

Hint:

Think of a fast-food giant whose name starts with "Mc" and sounds like it could belong to a playful circus performer.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the idea of a "clown" being the mascot for McDonald's—Ronald McDonald—while "around with food" hints at the fast-food chain itself. The word "clown" is a nod to the brand’s iconic character, and "food" points to what McDonald’s sells. Combining the two gives you the answer, using the mascot’s last name as a clever stand-in for the whole company.

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General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints